• Capture and collect passwords and information (e.g. social security or credit card numbers)
• Record browsing habits (e.g., sites visited and links clicked) and tailor advertisements to these patterns.
• Read and track e-mails
• Manipulate the computer settings, resulting in slow connection speeds, different home pages, loss of Internet or other programs, and even make your computer crash.

Signs that Spyware has affected you:

• Your desktop suddenly runs a lot slower than normal
• Pop-up advertisements appear when your Internet Browser is closed
• New and unexpected toolbars appear in your web browser
• Your default home page and settings have been changed, without your knowledge
• You are redirected to websites other than the one you typed in your address bar

Ways to prevent Spyware from infecting your computer:

• Install and update your firewall. Windows provides built-in firewalls.
• Install and update your antivirus software, such as McAfee or Symantec. Check with IT personnel to find out if you already have the latest antivirus software installed on your computer, of if you have any questions.
• Download and install antispyware protection (e.g., Ad-ware, Spybot, etc.).
• Read all security warnings, license agreements, and privacy statements associated with any software you download.
• Never click “agree” or “OK” to close a window. Instead, click the red “X” in the corner of the window or press the Alt + F4 button on your keyboard to close a window.
• Be aware of free downloadable software (e.g., movies or music file sharing, tool bars, game demos, video clips, etc.), because spyware may be included.
• Don’t open e-mails with links that offer anti-spyware software. These may actually be used to install spyware on your computer.